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Tension is quietly building within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as disagreements emerge over who should fly the party’s presidential flag in the 2027 election.
At the centre of the debate is former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, whose supporters are pressing for his consideration as the party’s candidate.
The push has intensified following the entry of members of the Obidient Movement into the ADC after leaving the Labour Party.
Supporters backing Obi argue that political balance requires power to remain in the South for a full eight-year cycle before shifting back to the North.
However, that position has unsettled other blocs within the party.
Moreover, the growing assertiveness of Obi’s camp is reportedly deepening unease among party figures aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Party insiders say this rivalry is beginning to create visible fault lines.
Some ADC leaders, particularly from the northern region, are said to be distancing themselves from Obi amid complaints that his supporters are dominating internal conversations and sidelining other interests.
A senior party figure disclosed that anxiety is spreading among stakeholders, noting that unchecked ambition could weaken the ADC’s broader electoral strategy.
“There is no open split yet,” the source said, “but many of us are uneasy about how these rival camps are positioning themselves ahead of 2027.”
According to the source, leaders are divided between those openly aligning with either camp and others urging restraint to protect the party’s cohesion.
“If this continues without moderation, it could hurt the ADC at a critical moment,” the source added.
Meanwhile, former ADC national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, acknowledged that party leaders are monitoring the situation closely.
He maintained that the unrest is being driven by only a small segment of Obi’s supporters.
Nwosu stressed that Obi himself remains committed to unity within the party.
“He has been very clear that the focus should be on building a strong platform for Nigeria, not personal ambition,” he said.
Furthermore, Nwosu dismissed much of the online agitation attributed to the Obidient Movement, claiming many of those voices are not ADC members.
“A large percentage of what you see online is being orchestrated by external groups attempting to discredit the party,” he said.
He admitted that emotions are running high in some quarters but insisted the situation is manageable.
“Yes, there are concerns, but they involve a very small fraction of supporters,” Nwosu said.
“The party leadership is confident that the primaries, whenever they hold, will not tear the ADC apart.”
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually take shape, the ADC now faces the delicate task of balancing competing ambitions while preserving internal stability.